RUGBY FOOTBALL

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4963, 2 September 1918, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SHERRATT CUP FINAL.

Y.M.P. (5) V. HUIA (3).

STRENUOUS AND EXCITING GAME.

There was a large attendance at the Victoria Domain on Saturday afternoon, when the senior competition was brought to a close and the huge crowd (amongst which there was a fair sprinkling of the fair sex) was well satisfied with tho display given by both teams. After the previous meeting of these teams it was generally agreed that a great go would eventuate, and so it proved, Iluia’s score being obtained in the last nve minutes and Y.M.P., with a supremo effort, two minutes later amidst tremendous excitement, secured a try and goaled, thus winning on the verge of time by two points.

Huia won the toss and elected to play with the sun in their favor. Almost immediately Y.M.P, through a bad take by Williams, was attacking in Huia’s 25. Jones secured ana was instrumental in taking play to liis opponents’ 25, where they were awarded a penalty. No result. From the drop-out Huia again were after a score, and Y.M.P. were at their wits’ end to stop them. Murray marked and relieved, but Jury put in a lightning dash and again put Y.M.P. on the defensive, when R. Nita compelled them to force. Murray transferred play to neutral ter ritory, where the forwards had *a great bat tie for supremacy. For ’en minutes no perceptible advantage was gained by either team. Pere took a clever mark and gained ground. Nita Ruru, dodging behind the scrum, set Westall and Jackson going and play was again in Y.M.P’s territory. The game now started to get fast, and Poananga, who was very sure at full, saved on the line. From the drop-out Pilci made a fine effort, but there were no beg pardons Poananga bringing him down in fine style. Pere here put in a good run. Murray missed badly from behind the scrum and Toole dribbled well down the field, where Tamati saved with a fine line kick. Westall broke away and started a great for vara rush, which was stopped by I’eananga, who found the line at entve. Toole again with his feet carried the ball through the oppositon and just missed a score. Y.M.P. now opened up, and starting to throw the ball about, some pretty passing took place, but the solid tackling of Huia would not allow a score. A penalty to Huia and Campbell missed the post. Huia’s rearguard were getting nicely into motion when the first spell ended —no score. On resuming Y.M.P. set up an attack. Poananga, whom everyone expected to kick, went on with it, and, threading his way through (quite up to his old form), transferred to Priestley, who foolishly passed and lost what should have been the first score. Y.M.P. kept up the attack, and Campbell here made a great attempt to land a goal from half-way and only failed by inches. Arthur came away from the scrum, and! passed to Tamati, who was immediately grassed, Huia paying parti:ular attention to this speedy player. Matene started his backs going, the ball traversing to Murray, Morrison, Pore, to Scott. Westall was lieie temporarily disabled. Wi Friday suiprised his opponents with a brilliant dash for the line. The play now became exciting and the ball traversed up and down. Emit.? passing by Pore spoiled severa] good chances of Y.M.P.’s rearguard. Both teams were now straining every nerve to gain a victory. Several players were at this stage placed hors de combat. Morrison took a clever mark, and, kicking high, set liis backs going. Tamati, too anxi•ous fumbled. Piki kicked hard down the field, and Y.M.P.’s captain, losing liis head, attempted to take tho ball from liis own full-back. Campbell secured, and with a great spriiP ” a.- pushed out. From the throw-in a serum was .formed. Nita whipped il out to Jury, who cut in and beat two men and the ball to Piki who drew the attack, and Karonga. securing the pass, scored amidst tie mendous excitement. Te Han’s attempt at goal failed. Time was no ■ "i the wane, and it seemed impossible that an alteration to the score could take place. Hands were shaken hats were flying, and Huia were hailed as this season’s conquerors. Hardly had the game re-started when, like a panther. Tamati secured in his own 25. side-steped the forwards and outpaced the backs. The flee tv Y.M.P. tlirce-mmrter broke all records and grounded the ball. Scott, taking the kick, sent it fairly between the posts. The excitement was intense, and shortly after- the t histle sounded with Y.M.P. attacking. Mr. Harwood gave every satisfaction as referee in a hardfought game. Corbett and Miller acted as line umpires. About 1200 witnessed the game.

AN INTER-COLLEGE MATCH. To-day’s match, Auckland Grammer School v. To Auto was a fine exhibition. It was opened by combined play by the visitors. Backs and forwards alike handled the ball perfectly and the passing was a treat to watch. The final score was 26 points to 3. Only good tackling by Te Ante prevented a much larger total. The game was witnessed by about 2000. OTAGO BEATS SOUTHLAND. Press Association Telegram. DUNEDIN. .August 31. The. football match Otago v. Southland resulted in a win for Otago by 11 points to 3 points. PONSONBY GAINS VICTORY OVER SYDENHAM. Press Association Telegram. CHRISTCHURCH, August 31 In the football match under the League code Ponsonby Club (Auckland) defeated Sydenham Club (Christchurch) by eleven points to nil. WELLINGTON TOO GOOD FOR CANTERBURY. The Canterbury-Wellington Rugby match was fairly closely contested but Wellington showed- an all round superiority. The first spell ended in favour of Canterbury by eight points to seven. Early in the second spell Wellington' resorted to passing movements which they kept up almost to the end. Th e game ended Wellington IS, Canterbury 7. NAPIER PIRATES DEFEAT GISBORNE UNITED. By Tolegrapli—-Speoial Correspondent. NAPIER, August 31. _ The football match Gisborne United v. Pirates was played to-day as a curtain raiser to the Auckland Grammer School-Te Ante match. The conditions were perfect and an even game resulted in a win for Pirates, by five points (a converted try) to nil Tho home team held the upper hand all the first spell. Similarly play was in favour of the visitors' in the second half, but they failed to break through the local defCOn Wednesday the Gisborne hoys rffaved a drawn game with the lechnieal College, each side scoring three noints The United’s try was scored by Bartlett. College’s score was a penalty goal-